Radio Shack ARCHER 15-1275 User manual

★TRADEMARKS OF RADIO SHACK DIVISION. TANDY CORPORATION

Video Colour Processor
Owner’s Manual
PLEASE READ BEFORE
USI G THIS EQUIPME T
BURST HUE
RED MODE SOURCE
C
BYPASS A J
COLOR ■ ■
, W
MAX GREE BLUE
VIDEO COLOR PROCESSOR

Your ARCHER® Color Processor was developed by Radio Shack to improve
the overall performance of your home video system. It may be used to improve
the color reproduction of programs from a CR or video disc player. It may also
be used to improve recordings made from one CR to another or direct
camera-to- CR recordings.
Th s un t w ll not create a color p cture from a black and wh te record ng.
FEATURES
• MODE Sw tch — Allows you to compare the processed color signal (COLOR
position) with the unprocessed signal (BYPASS position) by moving a single
switch.
In the B/W position, you will see a pure black and white picture. Artificial
color lint will be eliminated.
• INTENSITY Control — aries the intensity of the brightness in the T
picture. This is similar to the contrast control on your T , but the range is
greater.
• CHROMA Control — aries the intensity of the colors in the T picture from
faded to “saturated." This control works with the BURST control to
compensate for tapes that were recorded with too little or too much color.
• BURST Control — Adjusts the burst signal to give the most useful operating
range of the CHROMA control.
• HUE Control — Adjusts the hue of the color picture. This function is similar
to that of the tint control on your T , but the range is greater. Use this
control to compensate for tapes recorded with too much red, green, or bfue.
• SOURCE A/B Sw tch — Selects the signal to be processed by the Color
Processor from one of two video inputs ( CR, video disc player, or other
video source). The selected signal is sent to both OUT jacks (A/B).
Important Note
Your Color Processor must be connected to video equipment that has separate
audio and video jacks, such as a CR, video disc player, or a true T
“monitor."
To use this unit with a regular T (with only HF/UHF terminals) you must
connect an RF modulator between the Color Processor and the T , to convert
the signals to regular HF T signals. Radio Shack's ideo Stabilizer/RF
Modulator (Cat. No. 15-1271) and ideo Enhancer/Stabilizer (Cat. No, 15-1270)
contain such modulators, as do all CRs.

Please read th s owner's manual carefully. It has been prepared to assist
you during the initial set-up procedure and to guide you in everyday operation
of the ideo Color Processor.
CAUTION
Th s un t can be permanently damaged by exposure to:
• Excess ve heat (above 150DF/65°C)
• Mo sture or hum d ty
• Excess ve dust or d rt
Take care to avo d these cond t ons at all t mes.
WARNING: TO A OID THE HAZARDS OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR OTHER MOISTURE.
For your own protection, we urge you to record the serial number of this unit in
the space provided below. The serial number is located underneath the unit.
Serial Number

SPECIFICATIONS
ideo O utput ..................................... with 1 P-P input, output can be set from
0.5 to 1.5 P-P into one 75 ohm load
ideo input ......................................... 0.75 P-P to 3 P-P into 75 ohms
Luminance Range ............................. — OdB to +3.5dB
Burst Phase Range ...........................100 degrees
Burst Output R ange.........................0.14 to 0.43 P-P
Chroma Output Range.....................0.10 to 0.30 P-P
Power Consumption .........................5 watts maximum, 120 AC, 60 Hz
Input and Output Jacks...................RCA Phono
CAUTIO TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK
OO OT REMOVE COVER lOR BACK*
O USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS I SIDE
REFER SERVICI G TO QUALIFIED SERVICE
PERSO EL
The lightning symbol is to remind you that there is dangerous
voltage inside the unit. Do not open the enclosure.
The exclamation symbol indicates there is important operating
information in this manual.

CONTENTS
Page No.
Features
Cautions
Conlrols and Functions
Preparation for U se.. .
Operation.......................
2
2
4
6
6 - 10
Adjusting the Color Processor Controls
Monitoring a Recorded Program
Recording from a Source CR {or ideo
Disc Player) lo One Other CR
Recording from a Source CR (or ideo
Disc Player) to Two Other CRs
Connecting the Color Processor and
Other Input Sources to Your T
Using ideo Cameras with the Color Processor
Problemsolving................................................................................................. 11
Schematic D iagram ............................................................... .. ........................ 12
W arranty............... .. ............................................................................................. 13

CONTROLS AND FUNCTIONS
(Operat on Summary)
© Power LED
Use to tell when the power is on.
(D INTENSITY Control
Turn this knob clockwise to “click" the power on.
Continue turning it clockwise to increase the intensity of the T picture
brightness. This control is similar to your T contrast control but it
operates over a greater range and has less effect on other components of
the T picture (color, hue, etc.).
Turn it counterclockwise to decrease the intensity of the brightness or to
"click” the power off.
The INTENSITY setting is not affected by the posilion of the MODE
switch; this control is always active when the power is on.
(D CHROMA Control
Turn this control clockwise to increase the intensity of the colors in the T
picture. This is necessary for tapes recorded wifh insufficient color or
excessive burst signal. (Colors will look faded.)
Turn this control counterclockwise to decrease the intensity of the colors
in the T picture. This is necessary for tapes that were recorded with
excessive color or insufficient burst signal. (Colors will look too intense.)
® BURST Control
Turn this control clockwise to reduce the burst signal; this increases color
intensity. Turn it counterclockwise to increase the burst signal; this
decreases color intensity.
The combination of the BURST and CHROMA controls gives you the
greatest possible range of color control.
What s a Burst S gnal?
A burst signal tells your T that the T signal contains color information. It acts
also as a reference point from which your T evaluates the intensity of that
color information. The proper setting of the BURST control assures maximum
control range for the CHROMA control.
If there is too little burst signal, as in some worn or third generation tapes, the
color will be too intense.
If there is too much burst signal, as in some tapes made from T broadcasts,
the color will appear faded.
If there is no burst signal the picture will be black and white, even if the color
information is on the video tape.
© HUE Control
Turn this control to change the hue of the colors in the T picture. You
will have complete control for correction of pictures with too much red,
green, or blue.
This control is similar to the tint control on your T but operates over a
greater range. Use it in combination with the T tint control for even
greater control range.
© MODE Sw tch
BYPASS — Select this position to bypass all Color Processor controls
except INTENSITY.
COLOR — Select this position for complete color processing.
B/W — Select this position for pure black and white viewing (without false
color tint).
® SOURCE A/B Sw tch
Set this switch to A to process the source connected to the A IDEO IN
jack; set it to B to process the source connected to the B IDEO IN jack.
The selected source will be sent to both A and B IDEO OUT jacks.
® Power Cord
Plug into a standard AC outlet (120 , 60 Hz).
® VIDEO IN Jacks (A/B)
Connect one of these jacks to the video out jack on your CR or video
disc player; use shielded cable with RCA-type plugs. You may connect up
to two units.
Use the A/B Switch to select the source to be processed by the Color
Processor.
® VIDEO OUT Jacks (A/B)
Connect one of these jacks to the video in jack on your CR, video
stabilizer/RF modulator, video enhancer/stabilizer, or a true T monitor;
use shielded cable with RCA-type plugs. You may connect up to two
units.
The source selected by the A/8 switch will be sent to both IDEO OUT
jacks.
Note: The IDEO OUT jacks are active only when the power is on.
4

5

PREPARATION FOR USE
Make sure all connections have been made as outlined on page 4 and as
shown in the drawings in the "Operation” section of this manual. If you are
unsure about your connections, draw a diagram of your system and take it to
your local Radio Shack for advice.
To realize the maximum benefit from your Color Processor, your T must be in
good working condition with the controls set for a normal color picture. The
other components of your video system must also be working properly. Th s
un t w ll not compensate for defects n other v deo equ pment.
Control Sett ngs
The initial settings for all the front-panel control knobs should be 12 o'clock (the
pointers straight up). Remember: signals will not pass through the Color
Processor unless the power (INTENSITY control) is on.
MODE Sw tch
The usual setting for the MODE switch will be COLOR. Switch temporarily to
BYPASS to compare the unprocessed color picture with the processed one.
Use the B/W position to eliminate false color (red, green, or blue tint) in black
and white pictures.
Remember: The INTENSITY control is active with all settings of the MODE
switch, as long as the power is on.

OPERATION
Adjust ng the Color Processor Controls
Even though the controls on the Color Processor are more sensitive and
selective than the controls on your T , they do interact with each other and with
the controls on your T , CR, and other video equipment. Follow the
instructions below and the instructions in the owner’s manuals for your other
video components.
Refer to "Controls and Functions” on page 4 for details on the effect of each
control and switch.
1. Set all the Color Processor control knobs and switches as described in
"Preparation for Use."
2. Turn on your T and set it to the same channel as the channel switch on
the RF modulator you are using (or set your T to "monitor”).
3. Set the SOURCE A'B switch for the desired input source and begin
playback from the selected input source ( CR or video disc player).
4. If you are using an enhancer/stabilizer/modulator or similar product, adjust it
as described in its owner's manual.
5. Adjust the INTENSITY control for the desired picture brightness.
6. If there is no color in the picture (and you are playing a color tape) center
the BURST control and adjust the CHROMA control for the desired amount
of color.
7. Adjust the BURST control for further fine tuning ol the color intensity.
8. Adjust the HUE control to achieve the desired color tint (especially flesh
tones).
Continue fine tuning each Color Processor control, along with the controls on
your other video equipment, to obtain the desired results.
Use the BYPASS setting of the MODE switch, at any time, to compare the
processed and unprocessed pictures.

The uses for, and possible connections with, this unit are practically endless.
And as you add more equipment, such as video enhancer/stabilizers or audio
processors, the numbers increase. The information on the next few pages
should get you started; then it’s up to you.
Mon tor ng a Recorded Program
This is the simplest and most common use for the Color Processor. It requires
only one input source ( CR or video disc player), a unit that contains an RF
modulator (such as Radio Shack's Cat. No. 15-1271 ideo Stabilizer/RF
Modulator or 15-1270 ideo Enhancer/Stabilizer), and a T .
Note: The modulator unit is not necessary if you have a T (such as Radio
Shack’s Cat. No. 16-106) with a true monitor function. True T monitors have
separate audio and video inputs.
Use the drawings below and at right as a guide to connections for this basic
Color Processor function.
Procedure
1. Make the connections as shown at right.
2. Turn on all equipment in your video system.
3. Make all adjustments and settings as described on page 6 of this manual.
Remember, you will have to make adjustments when you use a different tape, if
it was recorded at a different speed or was recorded from a different quality
source.
Connect ons for TV Mon tor w thout RF Modulator
Source VCR (or V deo D sc Player) To Stereo Rece ver

Connect ons w th RF Modulator Un t
Source VCR (or V deo D sc Player) To stereo Hecejver
Note: If you use a reguiar T for viewing, the A/B switch will give you easy
access to cable or antenna T broadcasls.

Record ng from a Source VCR (or V deo D sc
Player) to One Other VCR
This procedure requires two CRs (or one CR and one video disc player) and
a T .
Note: You may use a T with a true monitor function, such as Radio Shack's
Cat. No. 16-106, instead of a regular T . True T monitors have separate
audio and video inputs.
Use the drawing at right as a guide to connections for this basic Color
Processor function.
Procedure
1. Make the connections as shown at right.
2. Turn on all equipment in your video system.
3. Make all adjustments and settings as described on page 6 of this manual.
4. Begin playback on the source CR, and record a short “lest” segment of
the program on the recording CR.
5. Play back the test recording.
6. II the picture is not exactly as you want it, make the necessary fine-tuning
adjustments of the color processor (and other components) controls.
Note: CRs do not record the signal exactly as you see it on the screen. The
“test" recording is absolutely necessary for getting the desired results. In some
cases, you might want to make more than one test recording (repeat steps 4 -
6).
7. Rewind both CR tapes to the beginning.
8. Activate the record mode on the recording CR; then start playback on Ihe
source CR.
9. At the end of the recording, press Ihe stop buttons on both CRs.
10. Check the newly recorded tape.
Connect ons
Opt onal
Enhancer/Stab l zer
VIDEO ,N
Opt onal
TV Mon tor
VIDEO AUDIO
From Antenna
or Cable TV
Record ng/Playback VCR
UHF . ____ VHF V deo
A/B Sw tch
Source VCR (or V deo D sc Player)
To Stereo Rece ver
Opt onal
V deo Sound Processor
8

Record ng from a Source VCR (or V deo D sc
Player) to Two Other VCRs
This procedure requires three CRs (or two CRs and one video disc player)
and a T .
Note: You may use a T with a true monitor function, such as Radio Shack’s
Cat. No. 16-106, instead of a regular T . True T monitors have separate
audio and video inputs.
Use the drawing at right as a guide to connections for this basic Color
Processor function.
Procedure
1. Make the connections as shown at right.
2. Turn on ali equipment in your video system.
3. Make all adjustments and settings as described on page 6 of this manual.
4. Begin playback on the source CR, and record a short “test" segment on
recording CR #1.
If you are using two similar machines (both machines are HS or BETA)
and both are recording at the same speed, test recording on only one CR
is usually sufficient.
5. Play back the test recording.
6. If the picture is not exactly as you want it, make the necessary fine-tuning
adjustments of the color processor (and other component) controls.
Note: CRs do not record the signal exactly as you see it on the screen. The
"test" recording is absolutely necessary for getting the desired results. In some
cases, you might want to make more than one test recording (repeat steps 4 -
6).
7. Rewind all three CR tapes to the beginning.
8. Activate the record mode on both recording CRs; then start playback on
the source CR.
9. At the end of the recording, press the stop buttons on all CRs.
10. Check the newly recorded tape.
Connect ons
Source VCR (or V deo D sc Player)
Note: You may connect a regular T or T monitor to either or both recording
CRs.
9

Connect ng the Color Processor and
Other Input Sources to Your TV
If you want to use a regular T as a monitor for the Color Processor signal,
there must be an RF modulator (as in a CR or enhancer/stabilizer unit) in
between, as shown below. When using your T as a monitor, you may also
have easy access to other input sources, such as cable T or a T antenna, by
using a video A/B switch or video selector (available from Radio Shack).
Us ng V deo Cameras w th the Color Processor
You may use a video camera in place of the source CR in any of the
suggested connections. This will allow you to improve the picture's colors as
the original recording is being made. You must use RCA-type phono connectors
for the inputs to the Color Processor. A camera AC power supply that provides
power for the camera and has the necessary RCA-type audio and video outputs
will be needed.
10

PROBLEM SOLVING
Your Archer® Color Processor is constructed of the finest materials and
components. It should give you years of trouble-free service. However, if you do
have problems and cannot find the solution below, bring the unit to your local
Radio Shack.
No Picture — Check the setting of the SOURCE A/B switch on the Color
Processor.
— Set your T to the same channel as the channel switch on your CR
or modulator unit.
— Turn the INTENSITY control on.
— Make sure the T works when connected to other input sources.
— Make sure the separate A/B switch between the CR, or modulator
unit, and your television is set to the correct position.
— Check all video and power connections.
— Check the brightness control on your T .
Picture but No Sound — The Color Processor has no audio connections. Check the audio
connections on your other components.
— Check the setting of the volume control on your T .
No Color — Check the setting of the MODE switch.
— Adjust the CHROMA and BURST controls.
— Make sure you are watching a color program.
No Recording — Check the setting of the SOURCE A/B switch on the Color
Processor.
— Check the connections between the Color Processor and the
recording CR(s).
— Check the settings on the recording CR(s).
11

NOTES.,
1 ALL DIODES ARE 1N4148 UNLESS
MARKED OTHERWISE
2 SW-1 is MOUNTED ON BACK OF
INTENSITY CONTROL
. «-TOKO 58 MH., TRAP
4. -♦DENOTES CW ROTATION
5 ALL RESISTANCE VALUES IN OHMS
6 ALL CAPACITANCE VALUES IN MICH OF ARAD
>.A- SAFETY CRITICAL COMPONENTS REPLACE
ONLY WITH PARTS RECOMMENDED BY
MA UFACTURED
Schwnalic si>b|«cl to change «rrthout nolle*
For moil accural· sc hemal ic (and parts)
contact Radio Snack National Part» D«pl
Fort Worth Tt 76101
12